The present-day town of Hotan (aka Hetian), like all of the original towns and cities of the Tarim Basin, was the site of an oasis town, i.e., a town situated along a route frequented by travelers (think of camel caravans) and which catered to the needs of those travelers. During the early years of the Qing (CE 1644-1911) Dynasty, the city's original name was changed from Yutian to Hetian. In 1959 the name was again changed, this time to Hotan. Hotan lies on the southern rim of the Tarim Basin,...